The Mandela Effect

Many of our readers have likely visited Shyambazar’s five-point crossing many times. Now, can you tell which direction Netaji is pointing? Some might subconsciously say, “towards Sealdah,” “towards Esplanade,” or even “towards Delhi.” Others may think that the statue of Netaji at Shyambazar is saluting. However, the correct answer is: he is not pointing in any direction. Netaji is holding the horse’s reins in one hand, and his other hand is downwards. This common misconception, still prevalent in people’s minds, is an example of the “Mandela Effect.” This phenomenon has influenced various political events worldwide.

The Mandela Effect is a psychological phenomenon where an individual or group holds a memory of a specific fact or event that does not align with reality. In other words, people believe an incorrect fact as true, and sometimes this belief is shared by a large number of people. The term “Mandela Effect” originated from the mistaken belief many held that Nelson Mandela died in prison in the 1980s, even though he actually passed away in 2013.

This concept first surfaced in 2009 when a blogger named Fiona Broome noticed that many people shared the same false memory. Consequently, the Mandela Effect gained popularity and became a subject of research, illustrating how people collectively form and retain false memories.

Examples of the Mandela Effect also exist in Indian and West Bengal politics, where people cling to false memories. Take, for instance, the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Many believe he died in a plane crash, though there is still ambiguity surrounding his death. Some think he survived in disguise, a belief that remains active.

Another example is the misconception about the duration of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency period. Many mistakenly believe it lasted nearly five years, though it actually spanned 21 months (1975-1977).

A local example from West Bengal concerns the legend of the Haldi River crocodile, with some people claiming that, during the Nandigram movement, a large number of people were thrown into the river to be devoured by crocodiles. However, no official investigation of the Nandigram movement mentions any such incident.

So, why does the Mandela Effect occur?

There are several psychological reasons behind it. When someone shares a false memory, it often spreads, reinforcing that belief among others. This phenomenon shows how biased information can significantly influence people’s perceptions. When influential individuals or groups repeatedly spread such misinformation, it shapes public opinion. Today, with social media easily spreading misinformation, people are more susceptible to falsehoods, making it hard to discern truth from lies.

A few months ago, during the West Bengal Lok Sabha elections, two figures, Humayun Kabir (political figure) and Karthik Maharaj (religious figure), engaged in heated exchanges, creating a tense atmosphere at Murshidabad district. Humayun Kabir, a former BJP leader now with Trinamool, made aggressive statements on Hindus, while Karthik Maharaj called for unity among Hindus. Yet, after the election, they were seen standing together, smiling, at a blood donation event in memory of Byron Biswas’s father. People might interpret this as a conspiracy, a compromise, a setting, or simply courtesy—none of which can be definitively proven. This ambiguity suggests the potential for the Mandela Effect in people’s perceptions.

The Mandela Effect reveals the complexities of memory, and in a historically and culturally rich region like India and West Bengal, it manifests in unique ways. Shared historical memories and individual beliefs often keep these misconceptions alive.

Take, for example, the opposition leader of the state, Suvendu Adhikari. Some aspects of his political career may also be considered instances of the Mandela Effect. When he joined the BJP from Trinamool Congress, many believed his entire political identity and ideology had changed. However, even as a prominent BJP leader in West Bengal, his influence and acceptance remain much like his days with Trinamool. Many incorrectly assume his personality and beliefs changed entirely with his shift to the BJP, which is not true.

Currently, the Mandela Effect plays a significant role in West Bengal’s politics, where misleading memories and beliefs circulate among both leaders and the general public. Incidents like Humayun Kabir and Karthik Maharaj’s presence at Byron Biswas’ event, the Haldi River crocodile story, the five-year Emergency myth, or misconceptions about Netaji’s statue all demonstrate how misleading memories and information can become deeply ingrained in society. The Mandela Effect continues to grow in West Bengal’s political landscape, creating a fog of uncertainty between truth and misinformation. After all, confusion often proves a key to political success.

Thank you,
Rise of Voices